Jamie Peart:
J.P. Signature Group with Keller Williams and The Music Festival of the Lowcountry

“I moved to Beaufort about eight years ago from Jacksonville, North Carolina. I’m a veteran, and my husband is now a retired Marine. Shortly after settling in, I attended a real estate convention where a speaker encouraged agents to get involved in their communities. That advice really stuck with me—but I didn’t just want to be involved. I wanted to make a difference and fill a need. And what I saw missing was simple: more free, family-friendly events for the community.

I started small, but the first big event I hosted as a Realtor was Movie Night in the Park. This turned into an annual event, taking place every Halloween—where we show Hocus Pocus on the Waterfront. I provide popcorn, drinks, and candy, all for free. It’s just about bringing people together to have fun. The first year went so well that the city invited me to be part of Night on the Town. They were looking to add more kid-friendly activities, so for the past three years, I’ve screened various Christmas movies and handed out snacks—again, free for everyone to enjoy.

After being here for a few years and organizing several events, I realized something was still missing: Beaufort didn’t have a music festival. So last year, we launched the very first Music Festival of the Lowcountry with a mission to highlight local talent—especially artists who aren’t always in the spotlight.

Over 5,600 people came out for eight hours of non-stop music. We had two stages, performances by the Battery Creek drumline, Code Blue, Charleston Pipe Band, a drum circle, and a wide range of musical acts. I wanted the event to reflect our diverse community —in music, culture, and people. Music should surprise you, bring people together, and open new doors.

This year’s Music Festival is happening on June 7, from 1 to 10 p.m. We’re excited to welcome Tony Jackson back—he was a standout last year and is just phenomenal. We’re also bringing in a Who’s Bad, a Michael Jackson tribute band, Pantasia, a steel drum band, and Folly Beats, a jazz fusion band.

Our goal is to create a welcoming, barrier-free experience for the entire community.  One attendee told us last year, it was the most inviting festival they’d ever been a part of. That meant everything.

In real estate, we often talk about our “big why”—the reason behind what we do. For me, it’s hearing from a client who says, “I never thought I could own a home, but now I do.” That’s why we show up. And with the festival, it’s the same: it’s about giving people something they didn’t think was possible.

Beaufort may be a small town, but that’s what makes the impact so great. I’m originally from Dallas, Texas—where an event like this might go unnoticed. But here, bringing a music festival provides an opportunity to exhibit joy, connection, and pride for the whole community.

We’d love for you to join us at this year’s festival. For more information, visit: https://musicfestivalofthelowcountry.com/.”

–Jamie Paert, J.P. Signature Group with Keller Williams and The Music Festival of the Lowcountry